Eviction warning over criminal activities

Housing chiefs have warned tenants and leaseholders that they could lose their homes if they get involved in serious criminal activity on Wandsworth’s housing estates.

The warning comes just hours after a huge police crackdown earlier today (Wednesday) on gang-related activities and criminality across south London.

In Wandsworth detectives and specialist police search teams raided 20 addresses and arrested a number of people aged between 15 and 35, mainly on suspicion of drugs offences including conspiracy to supply. Similar operations were staged in Merton, Sutton, Kingston, Lambeth and Croydon.

If those arrested today live in council-owned accommodation and are convicted of a serious offence, then the council will be looking to evict them and all those living with them from their homes. As well as tenants, this sanction will also be applied to leaseholders who would face the forfeiture of their lease.

The council's housing spokesman Cllr Guy Senior said: "People should be under no illusions about what may happen to their tenancies or leases if they engage in serious criminal behaviour.

"If you enjoy the benefits of living in local authority owned accommodation then there are simple and straightforward rules you must abide by. If you break these rules then you will face the sanction of losing your home.

"We make no apology for taking tough action against those who bring misery to our estates by engaging in criminal activity like drug dealing or violence or who engage in serious anti-social behaviour."